The report Teenage Parenting Contemporary Issues 2000, which was published recently, reopened a "whole plethora of old wounds" for Joanne Sweeney, a student in applied communications at NUI Galway.
She writes: "Becoming a single mother at the age of 17 terrified me, and when Sophie's father was killed in a road traffic accident when she was five months old, that fear intensified. What followed was an uphill struggle to defend my right as a single mother, and also my right as a teenager determined to get a third-level education.
"When Sophie was six weeks old I returned to complete my Leaving Certificate, which was very difficult, but looking back now was the best decision I ever made. My battle began in 1996 with the North Western Health Board when I sought rent allowance, but was told I was not entitled to it because I was in full-time education.
"With increased pressure and the attention of local media and letters from numerous politicians I was granted £9.90 per week towards my rent - this was six weeks before my Leaving Cert exams. So on top of the anxiety of exams, and a two year-old daughter, I had the extra strain of fighting for my right to an education.
"When I secured a place in NUI Galway on a degree course, I really believed that my hard work would pay off. Unfortunately not. I was ineligible for Third Level Allowance (TLA), which would allow me to receive rent subsidy while maintaining my Lone Parent's Allowance. The only clause which discriminated against me was that relating to age. I entered university at 19, and to qualify for TLA one must be 21.
"This angered me, and I felt I was being punished by the State because I had Sophie at the age of 17. But the fact remains that I cared for my daughter, I accepted responsibility, and decided that I would return to education and do the best for both Sophie and me.
"When I realised I had to go through three years of college without rent allowance I was outraged. During my first year at college I shared a house with four other students, while Sophie slept on a mattress on the floor. (It was only during my final year that we had our own place). Although my resolve weakened, I just knew I had to keep on.
"I began a struggle in 1998 with the Western Health Board, putting my case across and outlining my exceptional circumstances. I asked for rent allowance and, if that was not possible, I asked for childcare subsidy. I also had six months of correspondence with the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, regarding the unfair legislation towards teenage mothers returning to education.
"I brought my case to the Ombudsman. Mr Dan Kelleher, in the Office of the Ombudsman, was very supportive and helpful and worked for nine months on my behalf. In May 1999 I received a cheque in the post from the Western Health Board representing back-payment for childcare subsidy. I had finally got my message across. Unfortunately the legislation today remains the same for teenage mothers wishing to return to education.
"I now have a BA honours degree in English, sociology and politics and in several months' time I will have a Higher Diploma in applied communications. By returning to education immediately, I have saved the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs four years' worth of Lone Parent's Allowance, totally £7,825.60.
"Now I meet people who clap me on the back and say `Well done', but it comes too late. I walked a long road and as far as help from the Government and health boards was concerned, I walked alone."